There are some conditions, both health and environmental or lifestyle that can put a person at risk of developing sinusitis. Nonetheless, these risk factors should not be mistaken as causes, since there are people who live with these conditions and yet do not suffer from sinusitis. Here, are some of those conditions:
Smoking
Whether one is an active or passive smoker, one becomes vulnerable to suffering from sinusitis. Cigarette smoke contains chemicals that interfere with the functioning of the cilia in the nose. Cilia are tiny hair like cells that act as brooms, which gently “sweep” and push mucus out of the sinuses. If the cilia are not functioning properly, the flow of mucus is disturbed thereby resulting in post nasal drip and a stuffy nose. A stuffy nose is the perfect breading ground for bacteria and sinus infections. Cut down, quit or avoid smoking zones to prevent sinusitis.
Viruses
Sinusitis is most common after a cold or flu. Viruses that cause these colds and flu’s make the immune system susceptible to developing sinusitis. The prolonged use of medications such as the decongestant sprays can also make one more prone to developing a sinus infection. The best way to protect yourself is to treat colds and flu’s timeously and with proper treatment methods.
Nasal Obstructions
People who have conditions such as a deviated septum, nasal polyps, swollen adenoids, facial bone abnormalities, sinus tumors or a cleft palate are also more likely to develop sinusitis.
Allergies
Food and nasal allergies including those caused by certain fumes, smoking, pollution, etc… can also lead to the development of sinusitis.
Patients suffering from certain chronic illnesses
Persons with Kartagener’s syndrome, cystic fibrosis, AIDS, diabetes, Wegener’s Granulomatosis and immobile cilia syndrome are vulnerable to sinusitis.
Age
Generally, babies and seniors are the most vulnerable to many diseases because of their immature and weak immune systems. Middle aged people have a higher resistance to infection since they have stronger immune systems.
Gender
Since women are more prone to having depression, immune deficiencies, asthma and other respiratory conditions they also seem more prone to developing sinusitis than men.
Ethnic background
There are some ethnic groups that are generally resistant to sinusitis such as Hispanics. Caucasians and Africans have a higher risk of suffering from the condition. This could be due to the form and structure of the sinus cavities in each ethnic group.
Environmental factors
Individuals living in places where air pollution is dominant are at a greater risk of developing sinusitis. Higher pollen areas for people with allergies, as well as dry climates pose a threat to ones sinus health.
Professions
There are jobs and hobbies that can make people more prone to developing a sinus infection. Some activities such as diving, mountain climbing and flying cause pressure differences between the inside and outside of the sinuses, leading to sinus barotrauma. Sinus barotrauma causes inflammation within the sinuses, which makes the sinuses vulnerable to infection.
Operated persons
Patients that have just had surgery are always prone to infection. Those who have undergone an organ transplant are prescribed with immunosuppressive rejection medication, which is attributed with causing a lot of health defects and, as a result, interferes with the proper functioning of the immune system. A weakened immune system means vulnerability to many infections.
Other
Head injuries and other illnesses that require tubes to be inserted in the nose can expose an individual to sinusitis.
